"I will tell you about them," said a solemn voice near by. Phyllis stumbled in her surprise and splashed the water into her eyes. When she could see again, a great blue heron was standing near.
"Oh!" cried Phyllis, a bit frightened. "It is strange that I did not see you. Yes, do tell me about the little sea-bird—and about yourself also!"
So the blue heron drew his head down between his shoulders, and, standing on one leg, told Phyllis what he knew of the little sea-doves.
"That little bird with brown back and white breast loves the sea," said the heron. "He is never tired of the blue waves.
"In stormy weather the little sea-dove is most happy, because it is then that the waves are laden with small fish and crabs. During stormy weather the little fisherman grows fat.
"Watch them as they fly. Do you see how they are constantly dipping their bills into the water? That is their way of fishing.
"The sea-doves' nests are among the cliffs. In them they lay just two bluish-white little eggs.
"Sometimes, when the winds are very strong, the sea-doves are blown far inland. Sometimes they find their way back to the sea. But there are other times when they do not return."
"And where is your own nest, O Great Blue Heron?" asked Phyllis, half laughing at the queer, long-legged bird.
"It is over yonder on a rock," said the heron. "There are now four dull blue-green eggs in the nest.